Heading Home

The road trip is coming to a bittersweet end. I miss Canada, no doubt aboot it. I miss the trees, the people. As we entered Oregon I looked around and it all felt very familiar – just like BC. Which makes me wonder, what is the difference? What does it matter? Why do I look for disparities instead of similarities?

Back in Starbucks again, it has become our mobile office. A different city with different weather but the office stays the same with its wireless internet and dim lighting. Even the furniture is the same, along with the merchandise, the New York Times rack. The arrangement changes as does the clientele. Last night I overheard a gaggle of cops get into a hot gossip session until they got called out to something more important than talking behind their Captain’s back. Tonight I watched a mysophobic man in a poor fitting toupee demonstrate how the barrista touched the rim of his tea mug. At first I found his obsession quite strange but as I watched him open the door with his foot I recognized his fear. I too employ my fair share of germ-avoiding techniques – he’s reached the next level. I felt for him and his endless battle against contamination.

I’ve fought my share of battles, but lately I’ve taken a back seat. Example 1: Veganism. Somewhere along the road I gave in to fast-food hamburgers. At first I protested against Rik’s cravings, pointlessly suggesting that maybe he’d rather have a bean burrito? But he loves cheap beef patties. Hungry and curious I began to take small nips at the forbidden fruit. At first I cringed at the saturated fatness of it - a well rehearsed, disgusted face that accompanies most nutritional atrocities.

Somewhere along the road my protest became silent, so quiet that I didn’t even hear it. I quit preaching. My guilt melted like a slice of processed cheese. I’ve had a total of 2 burgers (that doesn’t include the nibbles I took from Rik and Rob’s burgers). Rob introduced us to Fat Burger and life hasn’t been the same since. Rik moans and salivates whenever we pass one. I have stopped pointing them out for fear that he’ll instinctually pullover.

Two burgers too many – but I’m happy to say that I didn’t order them. My false pride brings me some comfort. I’d have to admit to completely losing my scruples if I actually ordered a Baby Fat with Cheese. I’m looking forward to spending some time with Ryan and Carole, my vegan bro and sis in law. My ethics are slacking – I need backup and inspiration. I don’t believe that eating meat is entirely bad – but I’ve been ignoring the truth behind most of the meat out there: animals are imprisoned; force fed and slaughtered en masse. Ugh. That’s a lot to swallow. That's a lot of suffering that I can’t ignore.